Starring:seventh-grade cartoonist Jordan Banks, who wants to go to a special art school, but is sent instead to Riverdale Academy, where he’s one of only a few African American kids...and no one will let him forget it.

Art alert: What better way to tell a story about a cartoonist figuring out where he fits in than through energetic cartoon art?

What it’s about: Smart, rule-following, seventh-grader Shayla doesn’t like to make waves -- just the thought of trouble makes her itchy. But when her formerly rock-solid friendships crumble and a police shooting prompts her to attend a Black Lives Matter protest with her family, Shay begins to wonder: are some kinds of trouble worth starting?

Read it for: an honest look at middle school life starring relatable, real-sounding characters.

Fantasy. Sunny Nwazue is 13, Igbo, albino, awesome at soccer, and a new member of the magical Leopard Society. Last year, Sunny and her coven battled the terrifying spirit Ekwensu; now Sunny has to face her destiny and go on a perilous journey to prevent Ekwensu from the destroying the world. Inspired by mythology and set in modern Nigeria, this sequel to Akata Witch offers fresh, imaginative world-building for seen-it-all fantasy readers.

Graphic Novel. Don't call her a qualling toad-spotted clack-dish -- homeschooled 11-year-old Imogene "Impy" Vega has just been promoted to squire at the Renaissance Faire where her parents work. That means she's ready for a quest, and attending public school for the first time seems like just the thing to prove her mettle. But will the experience transform Impy into a brave knight, or a spiky dragon? If you love quirky yet realistic comics, you don't want to to miss this tale of friendship and "faire-mily" from the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

What it's about: Quiet Pakistani schoolgirl Amal has plans to become a teacher, but those plans are shattered when the crooked village landlord forces her to work off her family's debt as a servant in his luxurious home. Can Amal find a way to beat an unfair system that's designed to keep her down?

Why you might like it: You'll be drawn to Amal's spirit and strength as she holds onto hope and fights for her future.

What it’s about: Celi Rivera might be confused about her crush on Iván, and about her best friend Mar being genderfluid, but she’s sure she doesn’t want a traditional Mexica moon ceremony after her first period, no matter what her mom says.

Is it for you? The mature, poetic talk about puberty in The Moon Within might not be for everyone, but if you’ve ever felt like you’re between cultures, between genders, or between kid and teen, you might relate to Celi’s story.

What it’s about: After Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick arrives at the Jones family’s door, Carter Jones -- who’s struggling in the wake of his brother’s death and his dad’s overseas deployment -- is surprised to find himself bonding with the British butler.

What it’s about: To 12-year-old Simon, the evidence is clear: aliens exist, they abduct humans, and the U.S. government is covering it up. But because Simon is an imaginative fantasy fan, no one believes his claims about the alien threat -- not even after Simon himself is abducted.

Why you might like it: Simon speaks directly to you, the reader, adding extra intensity to this eerie, multi-layered tale that will keep you intrigued all the way to the end.